Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration’s chaotic cuts and layoffs are causing long lines, crowded trailheads, closed campgrounds, and neglected conditions in national parks and other public lands just as peak tourist season arrives. And a new analysis from the Center for American Progress finds things will only get worse if the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal becomes reality.
The budget plan would slash funding for public land agencies by 35 percent compared to 2024 levels, according to CAP’s analysis. These cuts would also mean with 30 percent fewer rangers and other staff on hand to help visitors and to manage the parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands.
At the same time, the number of visitors per park or forest ranger is proposed to increase nearly 75 percent compared to 2011. In 2011, there was approximately one public land agency staff member for every 9,200 public lands visitors. But under President Trump’s plans, that ratio would increase to one park or public land agency staff member per 16,000 visitors. That’s like having a single park ranger overseeing the 1.2-million-acre Grand Canyon National Park alone for a whole day.
The effect of this action won’t just be on visitors. Parks and public lands bring a huge amount of economic activity to surrounding communities. The Trump administration’s budget is nonsensically cutting a service that’s a great investment for America. It is also putting at risk the long-term stewardship of these lands, protection of cultural treasures, and prevention of future catastrophic wildfires.
Read the analysis: “The Trump Administration is Recklessly Axing Funding and Staff for America’s National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands,” by Sam Zeno and Jenny Rowland-Shea
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].